Intro to Cooking: Nutella and Banana Smoothie

By Michelle

Guys, normally I try to write really healthy recipes for this column. Really, I do. From incorporating super food sweet potatoes into your picnic recipes to forcing grilled fruit on your family’s barbecue, I believe it is important to try to eat yummy, healthy food as much as possible.

If you haven’t noticed, right now, I’m in the middle of a one-month challenge to stop stress eating. Unfortunately, the past weekend was one of the most unfortunately stressful of my life; I cried probably 75% of the time. All I could think about was eating carbs until the feelings stopped. So when I was Skype-ing with my lovely boyfriend, Danny, the other night and he told me about his idea for this milkshake, I had to try it and augment it to be healthy and…maybe a meal…or something. Secretly, though, I wanted him to make me several gallons of milkshake and let me drink it out of a bucket with a straw. I decided to stick with the healthier version though, because that meant I could eat it for breakfast.

Nutella is a delicious hazelnut-cocoa spread. It is not the healthiest thing in the world – it is pretty high in calories. But it’s more hazelnut than it is chocolate and the fat in hazelnuts is considered to be good for us – and it’s helpful in assisting our bodies in absorbing other nutrients! Bananas, of course, are very high in potassium, an important nutrient for your body, as well as dietary fiber and vitamins A, C, D and K. Instead of ice cream, I used Greek yogurt, which is creamier than regular yogurt and typically lower in calories, with just as much calcium. (If you really want a treat though, use ice cream instead of yogurt… mmmm….)

“Healthy” Nutella and Banana Smoothie 

You will need…

• 1-2 tablespoons of Nutella
• 1 banana, cut up
• 1 small-ish container of Greek yogurt (you won’t need a giant container – only a cup or so)
• 1 cup of ice
• A splash of orange juice, milk or a bit of extra yogurt (this is just to smooth it out if it’s too thick!)
• Strawberries, blueberries, etc. (any additions that you like in smoothies!)

How to make it…

In a small bowl, cut up banana and add Nutella. Mash up together. (I realize this seems really gross, but it will help it blend up better.) Add yogurt and ice and blend. If too thick, add a splash of orange juice, milk or a bit more yogurt. If you want to add other fruits, add them at this point. Pour in a glass and enjoy with a slice of toast! Mmm!

Stomach still growling? We got your….belly? Get more easy, college-friendly recipes here.